Key Information

Three years full-time
Four and a half years part-time (four years minimum to six years maximum)

Course Summary

Physiotherapy seeks to optimise human movement and function by using physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social wellbeing.

This degree equips you with the knowledge and skills required by physiotherapists to provide evidence-based health care. Our physiotherapy graduates have excellent problem-solving skills, they are technically proficient, professionally aware and as such, move seamlessly into graduate practice - in short, they are very employable. The course benefits from dedicated and innovative teaching staff operating from purpose built, state-of- the-art technical and learning facilities. Upon graduation you are eligible to become a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and apply to be placed on the Health and Care Professions Council’s (HCPC) Register of Physiotherapists.

The NHS Constitution is at the heart of our recruitment and selection process for students applying to become health care professionals.

Watch our video

Watch our video

University of Salford Lecturer in Physiotherapy David Dean talks about his passion for the profession.

Linda Atherton,

Physiotherapy Manager, Ashton, Leigh & Wigan PCT

“I hold the course delivered at Salford and the team who deliverer it in high regard. Their students are able to problem solve and rationalise treatment to a high level. These characteristics together with good treatment skills and an ability to be flexible workers particularly describe Salford physiotherapy students. I have employed many graduates from Salford as a result.”

Course Details

Physiotherapy seeks to optimise human movement and function by using physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social wellbeing.

This degree equips you with the knowledge and skills required by Physiotherapists to provide evidence-based health care. Physiotherapy graduates from the University of Salford have excellent problem-solving skills, they are technically proficient, professionally aware and as such, move seamlessly into graduate practice - in short, they are very employable. The course benefits from dedicated and innovative teaching staff operating from purpose built, state-of-the-art technical and learning facilities. Upon graduation you are eligible to become a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and apply to be placed on the Health and Care Professions Council’s (HCPC) Register of Physiotherapists.

Course Structure

Full and Part-time programmes comprise exactly the same modules, sessions and assessments. For the Part-time programme the modules are spread over a 4 year period which reflects the different attendance pattern (see below for more details). The structure in the next section relates to the Full-time programme.

Year 1 lays down the foundation skills of clinical reasoning and problem-solving focusing on the anatomy, physiology, pathology and management of upper and lower limb conditions. A 3 week introductory placement consolidates this learning.

Year 2 explores the Neurological, Cardio-respiratory and Spinal Musculo-skeletal systems. Research methods are used to investigate Health Promotion activities and behaviour change. The year also incorporates two six-week placements.

During year 3, there are greater opportunities for you to direct own your learning and develop independence in managing your professional development. By examining complex rehabilitation needs and involvement in research based projects and assignments you are able to develop critical analysis and problem solving skills required for employment. Over the 3 year period you will be developing a portfolio to evidence your experience and skills. In your final year, this is directed towards optimising your employment planning on graduation. A further three placements are undertaken this year.

Placements

Clinical placements vary in their timing for full and part time programmes.

Full time

Year 1 - 1 x 3 week placement

Year 2 - 2 x 6 week placements

Year 3 - 3 x 5 week placements

Part time

Year 1 - 1 x 3 week placement

Year 2 - 1 x 6 week placement

Year 3 - 1 x 6 week placement, 1 x 5 week placement

Year 4 - 2 x 5 week placements

Full time placements occur within semester 1 and 2. The part time programme utilises semester 3 i.e. into the summer for some placements. Some flexibility of part time placements may be negotiated to fit in with employment requirements.

Year 1

You will use lectures, practicals and tutorials to learn the anatomy, physiology, pathology and management of lower limb conditions to prepare you for your 3 week placement. You will be introduced to the concept of evidence based practice by using skills to identify appropriate evidence.

You have the benefit of learning core professional skills with other health care students to prepare you for effective interdisciplinary working in clinical practice. You will start to build your own portfolio evidencing your professional learning and development.

A collaborative module with Health care students within the School, exploring Health and Social Care Services in the context of current government policy with profession specific aspects to prepare you for employment in a changing environment.

Entry Requirements

Qualification

Entry requirements

Access to HE

60 credits with 45 credits at level 3 (distinction profile)

GCSE

Five A-B grades including English, maths and science (Dual award)/biology

UCAS tariff points

320 points

GCE A level

Three A2s grades ABB with at least one science (preferably biology)

BTEC National Diploma

DDM (Science based)

Scottish Highers

320 points

Irish Leaving Certificate

320 points (to include Biology higher grade B)

International Baccalaureate

32

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to successfully pursue a programme of study in higher education. Students who do not have the traditional entry requirements may be able to apply through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme. Support in preparing for the written assessment is available from the University.

Please note that you should discuss the possibility of being considered for the scheme with the Admissions Tutor before making an application.

Please contact the College of Health and Social Care to speak with the Admissions Tutor for this course: +44(0) 845 234 0184

English Language Requirements

International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.5 (no element below 6.0) is proof of this.

Applicant profile

We are looking for bright, motivated and dedicated applicants who can demonstrate a commitment to becoming a Physiotherapist. Having an awareness of the broad range of Physiotherapy practice is essential. Coming to see us at one of our Open Day presentations and some work-based shadowing of a Physiotherapist will help you to demonstrate this. You should possess good social and communication skills, have a caring disposition and be team-minded. An ability to be flexible, open-minded and a willingness to take part in interactive, lively sessions will help you to get the most out of your studies with us. Physiotherapy is a ‘hands-on’, skills-based profession, consequently our practical classes reflect this. Practicing techniques on each other in supervised mixed groups is the norm. This does involve some level of undressing to allow safe practice to occur. There are facilities and systems in place which preserve modesty.

Acceptance on the programme is subject to satisfactory Health and Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) clearance.

The above list of qualifications is not exhaustive. We consider other relevant qualifications of equivalent merit. Further information in this regard can be obtained by talking with representatives of the Physiotherapy team at one of our Open Days or contacting the University of Salford’s Central Admissions Unit tel: +44(0)161 295 3306, email ugadmissions@salford.ac.uk.

Applicants for the Full Time Physiotherapy programme apply via UCAS. Applicants for the Part Time programme apply direct to the University. The application form can be downloaded here.

You will be required to attend an interview if your Personal statement and Entry criteria meet our entry requirements.

The application deadline for the Full time programme applications is 15th January with interviews being conducted late Jan through till March. The application deadline for the Part time programme is 31st January with interviews being held in early March.

Teaching

We pride ourselves on providing a high quality teaching and learning environment. Our teaching staff includes Clinical Specialist Physiotherapists, key Physiotherapy textbook authors, Physiotherapy researchers and successful Private Practitioners. We also bring in a variety of leading Physiotherapy experts to supplement and further enrich the programme. Reflecting on your own performance as a learning tool is an essential part of learning at the University and on your clinical placements. You will benefit from extensive online resources including a large bank of video footage to help with revision as well as quizzes to assist with identifying your level of knowledge and understanding. You will have your own personal tutor to help with both academic and personal issues. Clinical experience is gained through a wide variety of health care settings.

Specific teaching methods include:

Lectures

Small group tutorials

Practical classes

Online quizzes

Debates

Student led presentations

Clinical visits

Video recordings of all major practical elements within the programme available 24/7

Reflecting on your own practice and developing a CPD portfolio

Clinical placements

Assessment

The programme comprises a wide variety of assessment types both to suit a wide range of learning styles as well as reflecting the skills required as a practicing physiotherapist. These include:

Online multiple choice exams

Practical viva and discussion type exams

Written assignments

Presentations (individual/group)

Conference poster development

Placements

Employability

Career Prospects

Through the programme you will have developed key employability skills e.g skills of enquiry, critical thinking, problem solving and reflection. You will leave the programme with an extensive portfolio to demonstrate these skills and your CPD. You will be well prepared for the application process to successfully gain employment in a variety of roles in Physiotherapy and other health and well-being related fields and/or further study.

Our graduates have gone onto work in a variety of health and wellbeing related fields. Some examples include the NHS, private sector, social services, industry, the armed forces and sporting organisations. We have seen the return of graduates working in advanced clinical roles to our post graduate study programmes to further enhance their career development. Some of our graduates work at the highest levels of professional sport such as rugby (Sale Sharks), football (Manchester City), cricket (Derbyshire CCC) and basketball (New York Nicks). Some have taken the skills they have developed and now work overseas or in Physiotherapy-related research and education.

Links with Industry

We have very strong links with industry which you can take advantage of. You will gain wide-ranging experience from placements in NHS hospitals and community-based Trusts, private hospitals, sporting organisations and private practices both locally and beyond the North West region. On each clinical placement you will be supported by experienced clinicians and work as part of health care teams.

‘I hold the Programme delivered at Salford and the team who deliverer it in high regard. Their students are able to problem solve and rationalise treatment to a high level. These characteristics together with good treatment skills and an ability to be flexible workers particularly describe Salford Physiotherapy Students. I have employed many graduates from Salford as a result.’

Linda Atherton (Physiotherapy Manager, Ashton, Leigh & Wigan PCT)

Further Study

Fees and Funding

Fees 2015-16

Type of Study

Fee

Full-time

If you are a UK or EU resident, and have home student status, you will have your tuition fees paid for you. You may also qualify for a means-tested bursary (http://www.advice.salford.ac.uk/page/otherfunding ) to help with living expenses

Part-time

If you are offered a commissioned bursary place this will be funded the same way as for the full-time route.If you are seconded by NHS in the North West you will have your fees paid for you.If you have a PFA assisted place your fees will be subsidised by the PFA but you will be expected to pay a contribution of £2000 which is paid to the University.

Full-time International

£13,050

Students will be expected to pay approximately £30 for health clearance from their GP. Please note, the charge for health clearance is at the discretion of your GP and can range from £0 to £120. In addition, students may incur other expenses during placements.

Optional costs may include approximately £60 for a stethoscope. Costs are approximated based on the current academic year.

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Facilities

Clinical skills rooms

In our clinical skills rooms you’ll be able to practice new skills in a safe environment under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The Mary Seacole Building is home to a number of plinth rooms used by physiotherapy and sports students with multi-purpose couches for in-house clinical sessions.

Human performance laboratory

Our world-class human performance laboratory is one of the best equipped in the country and contains almost every type of physiological and biomechanical testing equipment, including a 30-metre sprint track with in-built force platforms, motion cameras, blood and gas analysis equipment and speed guns. The College is also home to three gait labs, which, together with the human performance lab, are used to conduct groundbreaking research by the Centre for Health, Sport & Rehabilitation Sciences Research that underpins your learning.